Imams Removed from Plane File Suit Against Passengers

Six Muslim Clerics that were removed from a U.S. Airways flight for suspicious behavior are suing not only the airlines, but the passengers that reported them.

Six imams were returning to Phoenix after attending a conference in Minneapolis for Muslim Clerics. Their behavior was described by passengers as suspicious. They prayed aloud and chanted in Arabic as a group before boarding the plane. The imams seats were scattered throughout the cabin and once on board they requested seat belt extenders with heavy buckles and stored them under their seats. Some passengers reported that they heard them say the name Saddam Hussein and curse the United States. The Airlines strongly encourage all passengers to report any suspicious behaviors. Yet the passengers aboard the U.S. Airways flight that reported the suspicious behavior by the imams may now find themselves defendants in a lawsuit. The civil rights lawsuit, filed earlier this month, has so alarmed some lawyers that they are offering to defend the unnamed "John Doe" passengers free of charge. They say it is vital that the flying public be able to report suspicious behavior without fear of being dragged into court.

"When you drive up the road towards the airport, there's a big road sign that says, `Report suspicious behavior,'" said Gerry Nolting, a Minneapolis lawyer. "There's no disclaimer that adds, `But beware if you do that, you might get sued.'" The idea of airline passengers who report suspicious activity being sued has caused concern for members of congress. Earlier this week the house approved and amendment to a rail transportation security bill that would make passengers immune from this type of lawsuit, unless they report something they know is false. Omar Mohammedi, the New York City attorney for the imams, said the intent is not to go after passengers who raise valid concerns about security. But he suggested some passengers may have acted in bad faith out of prejudice. It is aggravating enough that these imams are filing lawsuits against the airlines, but to be filing lawsuits against the passengers is absolutely ridiculous. Prejudice?? Give me a break.